Veterans and loved ones gather to witness dedication of new veterans home

Wednesday, November 9, 2011 - 11:20am

TYLER — Veterans and those who support them were on hand Wednesday to witness the dedication of the Watkins-Logan-Garrison Texas State Veterans Home in Tyler.

The ceremony began at 10:30 a.m. at the new veterans home on the 11,000 block of Honor Lane. Tours will take place after the dedication ceremony.

Watkins-Logan-Garrison Texas State Veterans Home is named after three local heroes - two Medal of Honor recipients and a Tuskegee airman. Family members of Travis Earl Watkins, James Marion Logan and Samuel M. Garrison shared stories and display treasured memorabilia, including two Medals of Honor.

The home is built on 20 acres donated by the University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler. The donated land is just north of the Health Science Center, along the west side of Highway 155, just south of County Road 334.

The home was made possible thanks to a $12 million grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, with the remaining 35 percent paid for by the Texas Veterans Land Board. The new Texas State Veterans Home will join seven others across the state in Amarillo, Big Spring, Bonham, El Paso, Floresville, McAllen and Temple. But unlike previous Texas State Veterans Homes, the Smith County home will consist of 10 cottages and one common building. The design approach for each cottage focuses on drawing residents into social connection by mixing the best communal aspects of a home while still maintaining privacy and independence for residents.